So I thought I was doing responsible thing when I bought my boat and trailer a few months ago, adding surge disc brakes to a trailer that had none before. I haven't weighed my rig (Arima Sea Ranger 17), but based on weigh ins on the Arima forums I am probably rights around 3000 lbs. Figured why risk it, do it right. So on went a new set of Kodiac discs and a Demco actuator. Now, when I talked to the ship to see what my options were, I specifically mentioned that my regular parking space involves an uphill reverse. No problem, I was assured, the solenoid cuts pressure to the brakes when your reverse lights come on. Well, those with more experience than me can probably tell where this is going. I've backed it up the driveway twice now, brakes locked up both times. A little forward roll and quickly into reverse helped a couple times, but inconsistent. I've had to put it in 4 low both times, which is obviously bad foe the trailer AND the truck. So that needs to stop.
Doing some reading I think I have a grasp on the problem... foot is on the brake when I put it in reverse, so pressure doesn't release. So my options appear to be:
1) manually lock it out somehow when doing the driveway
2) get a different solenoid that releases pressure back to the master cylinder reservoir
3) reverse the 7 pin plug and turn on the headlights apparently? Seems sketchy.
I will do #2 ultimately, but even once I have I feel like it would be good to have a mechanical lock out in case of electrical or solenoid failures. Make sense?
So... long winded explanation for a simple question. My Demco actuator does not appear to have a stock mechanical lockout, or at least nothing mentioned I have seen. I have been looking at it and trying to figure out where I can jam a pin or 2x4, or drill a hole, and have 2 options. But maybe they are both wrong, could someone idiot check my work?
Here is the parts blowup.
I think if I put some sort of pin through the hole on the side in this photo, that would do it?
Alternately, fabricate something that slides up around this rod in front of the spring in this photo?
Doing some reading I think I have a grasp on the problem... foot is on the brake when I put it in reverse, so pressure doesn't release. So my options appear to be:
1) manually lock it out somehow when doing the driveway
2) get a different solenoid that releases pressure back to the master cylinder reservoir
3) reverse the 7 pin plug and turn on the headlights apparently? Seems sketchy.
I will do #2 ultimately, but even once I have I feel like it would be good to have a mechanical lock out in case of electrical or solenoid failures. Make sense?
So... long winded explanation for a simple question. My Demco actuator does not appear to have a stock mechanical lockout, or at least nothing mentioned I have seen. I have been looking at it and trying to figure out where I can jam a pin or 2x4, or drill a hole, and have 2 options. But maybe they are both wrong, could someone idiot check my work?
Here is the parts blowup.
I think if I put some sort of pin through the hole on the side in this photo, that would do it?
Alternately, fabricate something that slides up around this rod in front of the spring in this photo?